Canada’s waterways are home to some truly remarkable survivors. Fish that swam alongside dinosaurs still glide through northern lakes and rivers today, barely changed from their prehistoric ancestors. These living fossils offer us a rare glimpse into Earth’s ancient past, right in our own backyard.
While these species are found in Canadian waters, some populations are threatened or protected. Always check local fishing regulations before attempting to catch or observe these ancient fish.
Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser Fulvescens)
Armored plates cover this prehistoric giant like a knight in shining armor. Lake sturgeon have survived for over 200 million years, making them older than many dinosaur species.
These bottom feeders can live for more than a century and grow to weigh over 130 kilograms. Their whisker-like barbels help them detect food along murky river bottoms. Unfortunately, overfishing nearly wiped them out during the 1900s.
Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus Osseus)
Picture a fish with a snout like a sword and you’ve got the longnose gar. These ambush predators have remained nearly identical for 100 million years, lurking in weedy shallows.
Their diamond-shaped scales are so tough that Indigenous peoples once used them as arrowheads. Gars can gulp air at the surface, giving them an edge in warm, stagnant waters. Their needle-sharp teeth make quick work of smaller fish.
Burbot (Lota Lota)
Meet the only freshwater cod in North America. Burbot thrive in icy waters where most fish struggle, hunting at night like underwater owls.
That single whisker dangling from their chin helps them navigate pitch-black depths. They spawn under ice during the coldest winter months, a bizarre breeding strategy that sets them apart. Fossil records show burbot swimming Earth’s waters for millions of years, perfectly adapted to frigid conditions.
Northern Pike (Esox Lucius)
Razor-sharp teeth line the jaws of this apex predator. Northern pike have prowled northern waters for at least 60 million years, perfecting their ambush hunting technique.
They strike from hiding spots with explosive speed, grabbing prey sideways before swallowing it whole. Their camouflage pattern blends perfectly with weedy lake margins. Pike can grow over a meter long, earning respect from anglers and biologists alike throughout Canadian provinces.
